Andrea is a Jawoyn woman from the Dekkorllo clan group and currently lives in Barunga NT. Andrea’s skin name is Gotjan and moiety Yirritja. Andrea currently works for the Jawoyn Association and is Team Leader for the Intensive Family Support program, named Country is Medicine. Andrea is a strong leader in her community working as part of the Strongbala Wimun Grup and as a Director on the Jawoyn Board. Andrea is a representative of the Strong Women for Healthy Country network across the NT and has 15 years’ experience in health work and empowering women towards prevention of domestic abuse.

Robert is an Arrernte and Dagoman man, he is born and raised in Katherine as well as having lived in Alice Springs for a couple of years. Robert is the Cultural Coordinator working at Katherine South Primary School and has worked in the education sector for more than 5 years. Robert received the “Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Educator” of the year in 2024. Robert is also on a Board connected with APONT ‘Aboriginal Peak Organisation Northern Territory’ to get better outcomes and programs in schools for our Aboriginal youth. He is well connected through footy as well various other sports in the Northern Territory.” Robert is currently studying the Bachelor of Teaching.

Teale is a proud Aboriginal and Islander woman, born and bred in Katherine, NT. Teale’s heritage line spans across the top end region of Australia from Broome WA, Djukun Nation, to Halls Creek WA, Kija Tribe, to the Big Rivers Region, Dagomon Tribe, East-Mudburra Tribe right across to the islands of the Torres Strait QLD, to the Mualgal people. Teale’s career has been focused on Indigenous affairs working for local Katherine Aboriginal community organisations. Teale has gained valuable insights working in policy management and quality frameworks across various industries such as Community Services, Farming and Agriculture, Disability & Inclusion, Kinship & Foster Care and Primary Health Care. Teale is a passionate advocate for Katherine and has joined the Katherine Justice Reinvestment Action Group and hopes to extend her contribution to the wider Katherine Community

Kathy is a proud local Aboriginal woman, her family connections are Gurindji, Dagoman and Wardaman. Kathy was born and raised in Katherine. Kathy was the first female First Nation Postal Manager in Northern Territory. Kathy owned and operated an Aboriginal Electrical business in Katherine. Kathy recently completed a Certificate IV in Community Services and a Diploma in Leadership and Management. Kathy stays connected to community through Arts and Crafts, Sports and Voluntary work. Kathy is excited to be involved in JR to help make a difference in our mob’s lives and communities.

Mika Hansen is a proud Jawoyn women that has returned back to Katherine. Mika had been living in Qld most of her life and really felt the need to return home back to country. Mika is passionate about being a part of positive change and seeks to grow within the community. Mika works for NAAJA as an Administration Assistant for Civil Law and has been doing that for more than 12 months.

Dale was born in Katherine and has worked and studied in various jobs. These include qualifications in Butchering and Heavy Diesel. Dale has worked in most top end communities doing road works. He became involved in the Education sector as Indigenous Student Support at Katherine South Primary School before moving across to Callistemon House as a house parent supporting high school students from remote communities. Dale is very interested and support students transitioning from school to work. Dale loves Katherine and wants our community to thrive. He currently is a Board Director for Wurli Wurlinjang Health Services and sits on the national EON Aboriginal Committee. Dale is currently studying a Bachelor of Teaching degree.

Shaelee is an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander woman who was born and raised in Katherine. As an educator and community advocate, her passions revolve around empowering youth, amplifying Indigenous voices, and giving back to the community she was raised in. Shaelee has received awards such as the NAIDOC Youth of the Year and the Karmi Sceney Aboriginal Excellence and Leadership award. Shaelee demonstrates strong interests in areas such as mental health, feminism, and youth advocacy. She believes that culturally safe, community-led strengths-based approaches and primary prevention are crucial for strengthening our community.

Lyn was born in Mount Isa QLD and is a proud Waanyi/Garrawa/Gurindji woman. She has lived in Barunga and Katherine for most of her life and has two children. Lyn is currently working for Aboriginal Interpreter Service, a position she has held for 11 years. She is an accredited interpreter and specialises in court and legal cases. She has first -hand knowledge on how language barriers can affect her people and is passionate about providing interpreting services to support them. In 2024 Lyn received the award for “Outstanding and Meritorious Service in the Northern Territory Public Sector”

Cynthia is an Aboriginal Women born in Queensland and has lived and raised her family in Katherine NT, for over 30 years. Cynthia has worked in Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations for over 20 years and has experience and knowledge working in corporate services and human resources. Cynthia is a Commissioner for Oaths, and Wurli Wurlinjang Board Director. She is currently employed with the NT Government as an Aboriginal Sexual Assault Worker helping our mob to feel stronger about themselves. Cynthia believes that being a part of the community and having these connections enables her to bring her knowledge and experience to the Justice Reinvestment space. Cynthia personal interests include Aboriginal employment, diversity across sectors, family and being on country.

Ethan was born and completed his schooling in Katherine. Ethan is an Indigenous man of the Jingili/Budbara clan and looks forward to guiding positive change for the wider Katherine community. Ethan has worked across the Northern Territory and Queensland in a variety of trades and industries, including education, behavioural management and health. Ethan’s current role is an Aboriginal Liaison Officer with NTG Police, Fire and Emergency where he mentors, educate, and support aboriginal communities. Ethan provides insight and guidance to his PFES colleagues working towards better cultural understanding in the workplace. Ethan is a strong advocate for youth development in the greater Katherine region ensuring young people have a voice. Ethan received the Katherine Town Council Australia Day 2025 Citizen of the Year award.